Canadian singer Celine Dion, suffering from a rare neurological condition that causes rigidity, said in an interview that she will return to the stage even if she “has to crawl.”
In an interview with the American network NBC that will be published in full on Tuesday, Dion said that despite the syndrome that causes stiffness in the muscles of his torso and extremities and that can generate severe spasms, he will do everything possible to return to acting.
“I’m going to get back on stage, even if I have to crawl. Even if I have to talk with my hands, I will,” said Dion, 56.
The interview takes place shortly before the premiere of the documentary about her life “I am: Celine Dion”, which will be released on June 25 on the Amazon Prime platform.
“I am Celine Dion, because today my voice will be heard for the first time, not because I have to, or because I need to. But because I want and need this,” said the Grammy Award-winning singer who has had hits like ” “My Heart Will Go On.”
In December 2022, Dion announced that she had been diagnosed with stiff person syndrome, a progressive autoimmune disorder with no cure. Treating it, however, can help control symptoms.
According to the United States National Institutes of Health, this condition affects women twice as often as men.
“It’s like someone strangling you,” Dion said, commenting that the pain can spread throughout the body, and that sometimes the spasms can cause a rib to break.
The Quebec-born singer had to cancel a tour scheduled for 2023 and 2024 as she did not feel strong enough to carry it out.
The artist made a surprise appearance at the Grammy Awards in February, presenting the Album of the Year category won by Taylor Swift.
During her career, Dion has sold more than 250 million records. Her “Courage World” tour, which began in 2019, completed 52 shows before being suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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